Zane Kallos once again showed the way, powering Ateneo de Manila University to a commanding 78-60 victory over neighbor University of the Philippines Integrated School as the second round of the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Basketball Tournament got underway on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Kallos, the frontrunner for this year’s Most Valuable Player award in the Junior High School division, delivered an all-around performance, tallying 27 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block.
After another impressive showing, the 6-foot guard credited his teammates and coaches for their support, which played a crucial role in him leading the statistical points race.
“Sobrang grateful po ako dahil sa opportunity na binibigay sa akin ng mga coaches ko at mga teammates ko,” said Kallos, son of former San Sebastian head coach John Kallos.
“Lagi po yung teammates ko at mga coaches naka-support sa akin. Tinutulungan nila ako. Tinuturuan nila ako. Lagi po sila nandiyan para sa akin.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The game remained tight until Bruce Tubongbanua tied it at 40-all with 4:05 left in the third quarter.
Ateneo then unleashed a 21-9 run, capped by Andre Pineda’s three-pointer, to take a 61-49 lead with 6:22 remaining in the fourth.
Yojan Manguerra later sealed the deal, giving Ateneo its largest lead at 78-60 with just seconds left on the clock.
After ending the first round on a three-game losing streak, the Blue Eagles improved to 4-4 and rose to solo fifth place in the standings.
Ateneo now holds a half-game lead over National University Nazareth School (3-4), who will play Adamson University on Sunday.
For Ateneo head coach Reggie Aromin, snapping the losing streak was a much-needed relief.
“Relieved, siyempre,” said Aromin. “Kanina, we were still struggling kasi pag natalo ka ng tatlong beses, parang ang hirap i-shake off eh. It’s obvious kasi the boys, bata pa sila.
“They’re young so kailangan din namin matutunan yung mga ganung bagay—to bounce back and be ready kaagad after every game,” he added.
The Blue Eagles had previously defeated the Fighting Maroons 76-42 in the first round on September 8.
Ateneo’s defense was a key factor in the victory, forcing 16 steals and scoring 30 points off UPIS’ turnovers.
The Blue Eagles also dominated the paint, scoring 44 points compared to UPIS’ 14.
Ateneo currently trails third-place De La Salle Zobel and fourth-place University of Santo Tomas (both with 4-3 records).
It will have an extended break before returning to action against Far Eastern University-Diliman on October 23 at 10:00 AM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
For the Junior Fighting Maroons, Jhustin Hallare led the way with 32 points and 11 rebounds, while John Addatu added 10 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.
Tubongbanua was limited to five points but grabbed an impressive 15 rebounds.
UPIS – still winless this season with an 0-8 record – will face UST this Saturday at 8:00 AM at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Scores:
Ateneo 78 – Kallos 27, Jazul 17, Lacsamana 10, Ngo 9, Juangco 5, Pineda 3, Fernandez 3, Ramos 2, Bernarte 2, Molina 0, Ylen 0, Meresen 0, Valte 0, Divinagracia 0, Dela Rosa 0, Hwang 0.
UPIS 60 – Hallare 32, Addatu 10, Tubongbanua 5, Rosete 5, Cobico 5, Poquiz 3, Gepitan 0, Lugatiman 0, Labao 0, Repane 0, Manguerra 0, Baldovino 0.
Quarterscores: 20-13, 34-30, 53-46, 78-60.
